Are you okay to play your next bridge game?
It’s not just heavily physical sports players in sports like basketball, football (either!) or hockey who push the limits of what their body can take: Often bridge players end up doing the same, and it’s not always good for your health.
Some people might have chronic conditions that let them down on the day of the game, others might have no conditions that they know of, but just feel a little “off.”
When are you just feeling a little under the weather, and when should you halt all systems and seek medical help?
Here’s how to know when you’ve reached your limits.
Don’t Ignore Signs or Symptoms
Never ignore any persistent symptoms or signs. Symptoms are the ones that you personally experience, while signs are the ones that can be outwardly noticed or seen – and anything that sticks around for longer than a few minutes is something you should take note of.
This can be lightheadededness or a fever; this can be a simple heart flutter. Whatever it is. anything that makes you think twice about what just happened to your body should make you stop and try to find out.
Checking Your Vital Signs
See your doctor often: If you can’t, visit an in-house nurse for a basic vitals check at the very least so that you have a better idea of where your health is at right now.
Other than this, vital signs should be checked on a regular basis – especially if you experience any symptoms that tell you they might not be okay, if you have any chronic conditions already (or a history in your familiy) and especially before undertaking any kind of activity.
Going to the average bridge game means that both the mind and body is taking strain while you do it. If your body has already reached the point where it tells you something isn’t right, the game might be the final push over the edge.
Time Out or Call Off?
Sometimes signs or symptoms are very temporary, like a spike in blood pressure or a drop in blood sugar – and if you don’t have any serious chronic conditions, you’ll be right as rain in just a few minutes.
Other signs and symptoms are just largely uncomfortable and the question is, “Can I stand it from the start to end of the game?” Muscle pain and toothache would fall into this category – while things like dizziness and back pain might not and could be signs of other problems.
Most larger bridge events have medically trained staff presiding over the event; speak to the tournament director if you think it’s time to see one.
If you’re not feeling well before or during a bridge game, take a time out, assess your vitals – and if it’s not something you can fix with a medication or treatment you have on you right now, take more than a time out and call off the game for your health.
We need our bridge players healthy!